Careem introduces female cab drivers in Pakistan

Cab booking service, Careem has introduced female taxi drivers in Pakistan on December 7, 2016.

Acid attacks, forceful marriages, honor killings and domestic violence; a poll listed Pakistan as the third most dangerous country for women. The female labor force in Pakistan is less than 25%. Through this initiative, Careem is working on empowering women. The announcement was made on official Facebook page today,

“Today is a very special day for us! Please join us and welcome our very first female Captains in Pakistan. Show your support and love for these amazing women. Wishing them all the best on this new journey!”

Dubai-based cab service, Careem operates in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. In comparison with the rival Uber, Careem has greater market share in the areas in which both operate. General Manger of Careem Pakistan, Ahmed Usman said that right now seven women captains have joined Careem and more applications are invited from qualified females. He added,

“We want to give women the same opportunities and the same chance that men have of leveraging our platform to generate healthy income.”

Women appreciate the security which Careem provides. One of the captains, Aasia Aziz said that women security is very important especially in the city of Karachi. Talking about challenges faced by Pakistani women, she said,

“When people start accepting something, when our public realize that women can do a certain job and are doing it in a commendable manner, then I think it will not be so difficult.”

Founded in 2012, Careem is a Dubai-based car-hailing service which is operating in about 47 cities of Middle Eastern North Africa (MENA). It aims to provide safe, reliable and affordable services to its customers.

Source: Reuters